Culture of Faith: We Believe That We Have Won

John 14:12- Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

James 2:17- “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”

Provoking Thoughts on Faith – Eternal Life: “But these are written that you may believe, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.” (Jn. 20:31) – Three Remain: Faith, Hope and Love, greatest is love (1 Cor. 13) – Elementary Teachings: Repentance from dead works and Faith (Heb. 6:1- 2) – Live by Faith not sight: “Call things that are not as though they were.” (Rom. 4:17, Hab. 2:4, Rom. 1:17, 2 Cor. 5:7, Gal. 2:20, Gal. 3:11, Heb. 10:38) – Without Faith it’s impossible to please God (Heb. 11) – “Work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent.” (Jn. 6:28-30) – Faith’s Worth: “Faith is of greater worth than gold” (1 Peter) – Faith Overcomes the World: It is through this deep trust in Christ that we win (1 Jn. 5) – Everything is Possible: for those who believe (Mark 9:23-24 Father/Son Story) – Fight the good fight of faith: (1 Tim. 6)

What is Faith? – Heb. 11:1- “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” – Vulnerable Confident Trust in Jesus’ person, presence, provision and power in the midst of the real situations of life!

Heb. 11:6- “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those earnestly seek him.

– Sermon on the Mount- (Matt. 6:33) “will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?” – Centurion- (Matt. 8:10) “When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following Him, I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.” – Storm- (Matt. 8:26) “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” – Friends of Paralytic- (Matt. 9:2) “When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” – Hometown Unbelief- (Matt. 13:58) “And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.” “He was Amazed at their lack of faith.” – Peter On The Water- (Matt. 14:31) ‘“Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him, “you of little faith,“ he said, “why did you doubt?”’ – Canaanite Woman- (Matt. 15:28) “Woman you have great faith! Your request is granted! And her daughter was healed.

– Disciples Discuss Bread- (Matt. 16:8) “Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread” – Son With Seizures- (Matt. 17:19-20, Mark 9:14-29) “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” Because you have so little faith.” “ – Lazarus- (Jn 11:40) “Did I not tell you that if you believe you would see the glory of God.” – Unbelief in Jesus Resurrected- (Mark 16:14)- “Later Jesus appeared to the Eleven as they were eating; he rebuked them for their lack of faith and their stubborn refusal to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.” – Second Coming of Jesus- (Luke 18:8) “However, when the Son of man comes, will he find faith on earth.”

Wet Blanket of Unbelief: Soggy Biscuit Believer “A person who seems determined not to have a good time and refuses to play or interact with others. Someone who generally has a negative attitude. In some cases people can become wet blankets because they cannot win the games the others are playing or continously lose, and as a result give up, becoming a wet blanket. It is important to note the continous offenses as a wet blanket can result in becoming a soggy biscuit”

How Does Faith Grow 1. Heb. 12:2- “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith.” Ask- Luke 17:5- “Increase our faith.” Invite Holy Spirit to Expose and Heal Mistrust Risk in Simple Obedience Make a List – Probable: Need help from God – Improbable: Not happening without God – Impossible